A listed building in Bradford city centre could be converted into apartments if new plans are approved.
The former Telegraph & Argus building on Hall Ings has been vacant since the newspaper moved much of its operation to offices on Rooley Lane in 2020.
Work to turn the former print hall building into a restaurant called Golden Palms is almost complete, but there had been little sign of life in the main Grade II listed office building since the closure.
Now London-based Hallings Limited has submitted a planning application and a listed building application to Bradford Council to convert the building into 57 apartments.
The residential conversion would be a mix of one, two and three bed flats, and would also include a rooftop terrace and gym for residents.
The building is located next to St George’s Hall, the oldest operating purpose-built concert hall in the UK.
Since the office building closed it has been at the centre of a major scheme that has seen the busy Hall Ings pedestrianised.
A new urban park, Norfolk Gardens, has been created just yards from the building.
The building has been listed since 1963, and Historic England describes it as “The first Italian palazzo front in Bradford, a large home trade warehouse designed by Andrews and Delanney 1851-53 for the drapery firm of Milligan and Forbes.
“It is an important site adjacent to St George’s Hall.”
The application says: “There are no adverse impacts that significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits of delivering the proposed residential development.
“The site is located within the city centre with access (by foot and cycle) to local services / amenities and public transport. The presumption in favour of sustainable development therefore exists.
“The submitted plans demonstrate the suitability of the proposed conversion in terms of maintaining the character and appearance of the listed building.
“The proposal will bring clear economic benefits in terms of creation of construction jobs and increased spend in the local economy both during and post construction.
“In terms of social benefits, the proposal will deliver a mix of market homes as well as bringing an important heritage asset back into active use.
“Cycle parking, storage, bin stores and residents gym / lounge areas are also proposed within the building together with opportunities for ‘planting’ within the new central atrium.”
A decision on the application is expected in late March.
